Jethro: Wise Praise and Wise Counsel

 

Wise Praise and Wise Counsel

Text: Exodus 18:1–27

Exodus 18 is a turning point in Israel’s history. They have been delivered from Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, seen God’s provision of food and water in the wilderness—and now, in this chapter, two crucial moments take place. First, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, comes to visit and hears about the mighty acts of God. Second, Jethro gives Moses wise counsel that changes the way leadership is carried out among God’s people. In this chapter, we learn about praising God before others and humbly accepting godly advice.

Jethro Praises God for His Mighty Acts (Exodus 18:1–12)

When Jethro arrives, Moses tells him all that the Lord has done to Pharaoh and Egypt, and how God has delivered His people. Jethro’s reaction is immediate—he praises the Lord, saying, “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods” (v. 11).

This is more than a polite acknowledgment; it’s a declaration of faith and recognition of God’s supremacy. It shows us something important: sharing what God has done is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to witness to others. Moses didn’t have to persuade Jethro with arguments—he simply told the story of God’s power and faithfulness.

For us, this means we should not underestimate the impact of telling others how God has worked in our lives. Your testimony might be the very thing that turns someone’s heart toward the Lord.

Jethro’s Wise Counsel to Moses (Exodus 18:13–23)

The next day, Jethro watches as Moses spends the entire day judging the people’s disputes. Moses is exhausted, and the people are waiting all day for their cases to be heard. Jethro speaks up and says, “What you are doing is not good… You will surely wear yourselves out” (vv. 17–18).

Jethro then suggests a better system: Moses should continue to teach the people God’s laws and handle the most difficult cases, but he should appoint capable, God-fearing men to judge the smaller matters. This was more than just good organizational advice—it was a critical moment in Israel’s development. It established a delegated system of leadership that allowed the nation to function more efficiently and reduced the burden on one person.

Moses Accepts the Counsel (Exodus 18:24–27)

The beauty of this passage is that Moses doesn’t let pride get in the way. He listens to Jethro and implements the plan. This shows humility and wisdom. Even though Moses was God’s chosen leader and prophet, he still recognized that good advice—even from a human source—was worth following when it aligned with God’s purposes.

For us, this is a reminder that we are not called to do everything ourselves. Whether in ministry, family, or work, God often provides help through the wisdom of others. Accepting that help is not a sign of weakness, but of maturity and trust in God’s provision.

Lessons for Us

Exodus 18 gives us two timeless lessons. First, never underestimate the power of sharing what God has done—it can lead others to praise Him. Second, be humble enough to receive wise counsel and not try to carry every burden alone.

Just as Moses witnessed to Jethro and then accepted Jethro’s advice, we too can bless others with our testimony and grow by listening to godly wisdom. In doing so, we strengthen not only our own walk with God but also the community around us.

The Song of Moses: A Song of Victory and Deliverance

 

The Song of Moses: A Song of Victory and Deliverance

Text: Exodus 15:1–21; Revelation 15:2–4

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Introduction:

Music has always been a powerful way to express the soul’s deepest emotions—joy, sorrow, awe, and gratitude. After one of the greatest deliverances in history, Moses and the Israelites did not remain silent—they sang! Exodus 15 records the first song in Scripture: the Song of Moses. It is a song of triumph, worship, and testimony, and it holds significance far beyond the shores of the Red Sea. In fact, this same song echoes into eternity, as seen in Revelation 15, where the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

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The Content of Moses’ Song (Exodus 15:1–18):

After the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army, Moses and the Israelites broke out in praise. The song exalts God’s power, His faithfulness, and His victory over evil.

• Verse 1 opens with a declaration: "I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea."

• The song praises God as a warrior (v.3), a deliverer (v.2), and a God of unmatched power (v.6).

• It recounts the destruction of Egypt’s army, not as a military achievement by Israel, but as a divine act of judgment and mercy.

• It also points forward, declaring that God will plant His people in the land of promise (v.17) and reign forever (v.18).

This was not just a song of celebration—it was a declaration of God’s character and a testimony of His salvation.

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Miriam and the Women Join In (Exodus 15:19–21):

Following the song of Moses, Miriam the prophetess, Moses' sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. She sang:
“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (v.21)

This moment is significant. It shows that deliverance leads to worship, and worship is communal. It wasn’t just Moses and the leaders; everyone, including the women, joined in praise. Their voices, instruments, and dancing reflected the joy of freedom, the gratitude of salvation, and the unity of God’s people in worship.

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The Song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:2–4):

Centuries later, John the Revelator sees a scene in heaven:
"And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb..." (Rev. 15:3)

The connection between Exodus 15 and Revelation 15 is powerful. In both, God delivers His people—in Exodus, from Egypt; in Revelation, from the power of sin, Satan, and this world.

The song in Revelation praises God's justice, righteousness, and holiness:

• “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty!”

• “Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!”

The deliverance in Revelation is eternal. The sea of glass reflects peace instead of chaos. The redeemed have harps, not weapons. They sing because God has finally and fully conquered evil, and His judgments are righteous and true.

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What This Means for Us Today:

The song of Moses is more than an ancient hymn—it’s an example for us.

• We, too, are called to praise God in response to deliverance.

• When God brings us through trials, defeats enemies in our lives, or reveals His power in unexpected ways, our response should be worship.

• Like Miriam and the women, we should be unashamed to celebrate what God has done, publicly and joyfully.

• And like those in Revelation, we must remember that God’s final victory is certain. His judgments may seem delayed, but they are just, true, and sure.

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Conclusion:

The song of Moses reminds us that God is both Savior and Judge, Warrior and Shepherd, and Redeemer and King. As He brought Israel through the sea, He will bring us through every storm. And one day, when all is made new, we too will join in the song—not just of Moses, but of the Lamb, who gave Himself for us and conquered death forever.

So let us sing now in faith what we will sing in eternity:
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!”

Amen.

The Joyful Justice of God: A Reflection on Psalm 67

"Blessed to Be a Blessing: The Global Vision of Psalm 67"

Psalm 67 Video:

 

Psalm 67 is a short, seven-verse hymn that serves as a prayer for God's blessing, not only upon Israel but upon all nations. It begins with a plea for God's grace and favor, echoing the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24–26 ("May God be gracious to us and bless us..."). The psalmist then expresses a desire that God's ways and salvation be known throughout the world, leading to global praise. The central verse (v. 4) highlights joy and justice as reasons for nations to worship God. The psalm ends by affirming that God's blessing will result in worldwide reverence.

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Structure:

The psalm follows a chiastic structure (A-B-C-B'-A'):

• A (v.1): Prayer for blessing.

• B (v.2-3): Desire for global knowledge and praise of God.

• C (v.4): Central theme of God’s just rule over the nations.

• B' (v.5): Repetition of desire for global praise.

• A' (v.6-7): Blessing leads to fear/reverence of God by all.

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Analysis:

1. Universal Focus:
   While rooted in Israel’s covenant relationship with God, Psalm 67 is outward-facing. It shows a missional theology—Israel’s blessing is not an end in itself but a means for the world to come to know and worship God.

2. Justice and Joy:
   The psalm connects God’s governance with joy (v.4). Divine justice is not depicted as oppressive but as a cause for rejoicing, suggesting a moral order that brings peace and equity.

3. Harvest Imagery (v.6):
   The mention of the earth yielding its increase implies both physical blessing (abundant crops) and spiritual blessing (fruitfulness of mission), possibly reflecting a harvest festival setting like the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).

4. Inclusivity in Worship:
   Psalm 67 envisions a time when all people, regardless of nation, will come to worship the one true God. This anticipates themes found in the prophets and later in the New Testament.

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Key Themes:

• God's blessing as a vehicle for global salvation.

• Universal praise and worship.

• God as a just and joyful ruler.

• The interconnection between divine favor and human response.

Blessed to Be a Blessing: The Witness of God’s People

 

Blessed to Be a Blessing: The Witness of God’s People

Text: Psalm 67; Revelation 14:6–12

Psalm 67 is a hymn of praise, radiant with hope and overflowing with the desire that "Your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations" (Psalm 67:2). It is a missionary psalm, and more than that, a global prayer. It reveals God's heart not just for Israel, but for all peoples. It is deeply connected to the covenantal promise to Abraham—that through his seed, all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

But Psalm 67 does more than echo a promise; it calls God’s people to live in such a way that the nations come to know God. When we turn to Revelation 14:6–12, we see this mission fulfilled and sharpened in a time of judgment. Together, these passages show us what it means to be God’s people—blessed, not for comfort, but for purpose.

God Blesses His People for the Sake of the World (Psalm 67:1–2)

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." (Psalm 67:1–2)

This psalm begins with a blessing that sounds familiar—it echoes the priestly blessing of Numbers 6. But here’s the twist: this blessing isn't just about God being kind to us. It’s about God making His goodness visible so that the world might see Him. The psalmist is not asking for blessing as an end in itself, but as a means to global witness.

Psalm 67:2 is central: God blesses His people so that His ways—His character, His salvation—might be made known. This is our vocation as the people of God. We are not chosen to hoard grace, but to reflect it. God's people are to be the radiant mirror of His truth to a dark world.

A Global Vision of Worship and Justice (Psalm 67:3–5)

"May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth." (vv. 3–4)

Here is the heartbeat of missions: not just that people hear the gospel, but that they come to praise God. That the nations rejoice in Him—not under compulsion, but with gladness. Why? Because He rules with equity. The psalm connects God's global rule with justice. The peoples of the earth can rejoice because God is not a tyrant; He is righteous, fair, and trustworthy.

This is a glimpse of the end goal: a worldwide community of worshippers, rejoicing in the just reign of God. And the Church, God’s people, are the light that points the way.

The Final Witness in Revelation 14:6–12

Now turn to Revelation 14. The scene shifts from a joyful psalm to an urgent, apocalyptic warning. But notice the connection:

"Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people." (Rev. 14:6)

This is the final echo of Psalm 67’s prayer: that the salvation of God would reach all the nations. But here, we see the urgency sharpened by coming judgment. The call is the same: Fear God and give Him glory! But now the time is short.

The role of God’s people in Revelation 14 is sobering. We are not only witnesses of grace—we are also witnesses of judgment. The gospel we proclaim includes both the invitation to joy and the warning of wrath. Verses 9–11 speak of the fate of those who follow the beast, who reject God’s way. The message is clear: the decisions of nations matter. Worship matters. Allegiance matters.

Yet even in this warning, there is a remnant who remain faithful:

"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep His commands and remain faithful to Jesus." (Rev. 14:12)

This is our calling: to endure, to obey, and to bear witness. To speak the truth in love—even when it’s hard.

Our Role in the Story

Psalm 67 and Revelation 14 together teach us that God's people are both blessed and sent. We are recipients of grace—but not to keep it to ourselves. God’s blessing is missional. It is given so that His salvation may be known.

Psalm 67:2 must shape how we live. Our prayer is not just “God bless me,” but “God bless me so that the nations might see You.”

And Revelation 14 reminds us that this mission is urgent. The eternal gospel must be proclaimed now. Time is short. The world needs to see the way of salvation through us.

• Ask God to bless you—not just for your own comfort, but so you might be a light in your neighborhood, workplace, and beyond.

• Speak the truth of the gospel with courage and compassion, knowing that both salvation and judgment are real.

• Live a life of praise, justice, and witness. Be a reflection of the blessing of God to the nations.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine on us—so that His ways may be known on earth, His salvation among all nations. Amen.

More: Lesson 9: In the Psalms: Part 2

The Fruit of Forgiveness

 Restored to Proclaim: The Fruit of Forgiveness

Scripture: Psalm 51:7–15

Today we turn our hearts and minds to one of the most heartfelt and powerful confessions of repentance in all of Scripture—Psalm 51. Penned by David after his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan’s confrontation, this psalm teaches us not only how to confess our sins, but what to do after we have been forgiven.

Our focus is Psalm 51:7–15, where David pleads with God for cleansing and restoration. But more than that, David makes a profound promise—a promise of purpose after pardon.

The Plea for Purging (vv. 7–9)

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (v. 7)

David understands that no surface-level ritual can remove the deep stain of his sin. He invokes the image of hyssop, used in ceremonial cleansing, especially in the purification of lepers. He is saying: "I am not just dirty—I am diseased with sin. I need more than forgiveness—I need cleansing."

And what is God's promise to us? "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). David believes in the mercy and power of God to make even him clean again.

The Cry for Renewal (vv. 10–12)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (v. 10)

Here, David doesn’t just ask for the past to be erased—he asks for a new beginning. The word “create” in Hebrew (בָּרָא, bara) is the same word used in Genesis 1:1—“In the beginning, God created…”

David asks for nothing less than a miracle: a brand-new heart, a right spirit, a restoration of joy.

Too often, we want to be forgiven without being changed. But true repentance leads to transformation. David is not seeking a pardon just so he can feel better. He wants to be better—he wants to be new.

The Promise of Praise and Proclamation (vv. 13–15)

Here is the heart of our message:

“Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (v. 13)
“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (v. 15)

David says, “Then…”—after I am cleansed, after You restore me—I won’t keep this grace to myself. I will teach others. I will proclaim Your praise. I will use my life to bring others back to You.

This is the mark of genuine repentance: it doesn’t end in silence—it erupts in testimony.

When God saves you, He also sends you. When He restores you, He reassigns you.

David doesn’t promise to repay God—he knows he can’t. But he does offer what God desires: a broken spirit and a willing tongue. He vows to tell others about the mercy of the God who redeems even the worst of sinners.

What about us?

• Have we asked God not only to forgive our sins—but to change our hearts?

• Are we living like people who have been washed whiter than snow?

• Do we speak of God’s mercy like David does? Do our lips declare His praise?

Let us not be content with a private faith. A forgiven heart should lead to a faithful witness.

David was a king who fell—but he was also a man who turned. And in his turning, he discovered that the God who cleanses also calls. The God who pardons also empowers.

So when God cleanses you, don’t sit silent. Let your life declare: “Look what God has done!” Teach others. Praise Him openly. Let your lips proclaim what your heart has experienced.

More: Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1